Adrenal Stress

Sample Report

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Why Run the Adrenal Stress Test?

The adrenal glands are located near the kidneys and produce hormones responsible for a variety of functions in the body. Among those produced are the steroid hormones cortisol and DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone), which contribute to metabolism and the immune response. The production of these hormones can be altered by internal and external stressors, and this can result in a wide variety of disorders.

What is Measured on the Adrenal Stress Test?

Dunwoody Labs™ offers a comprehensive test that evaluates two antibodies, secretory IgA and anti-gliadin IgA, to determine how well the adrenal glands are functioning and the cause of any fatigue or inflammation that may be associated with adrenal dysfunction. The Adrenal Stress Test: Profile 1600 is a non-invasive saliva test that provides a clinical “snapshot” of hormone function and immune function.

Cortisol

Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” due to its role in the stress response. Cortisol helps regulate blood pressure, metabolism of fats and carbohydrates, anti-inflammatory response, blood sugar level (through gluconeogenesis), and the immune response (1,2). Normal cortisol production peaks in the early morning and gradually decreases throughout the day. However, stress and damage to the adrenal or pituitary glands have been shown to alter this production (3, 4, 5). Dunwoody Labs™ uses an accurate and non-invasive method for testing cortisol levels using saliva. Cortisol has been found unbound in saliva samples, indicating a strong correlation to cortisol concentrations in blood plasma (6). Four samples are collected from each patient in a 24-hour time frame: one early morning sample (within 30 minutes of waking), one-noon sample (11 a.m.-1 p.m.), one-afternoon sample (4 p.m.- 6 p.m.), and a final evening sample (10 p.m.-12 a.m.). The results are analyzed and available online in 10-14 days.

Symptoms of Cortisol Imbalance:

Common disorders of adrenal fatigue include:

Addison’s disease

Cushing’s syndrome, Cushing’s disease

Sheehan’s syndrome

Nelson’s syndrome

Low Cortisol levels can result in a range of symptoms which may include:

Hypertension or hypotension

Chronic fatigue and muscle weakness

Nausea and vomiting

Abnormal blood sugar

Blotchy skin

Weight gain

Irritability, anxiety or depression.

DHEA

DHEA, or dehydroepiandrosterone, is another steroid hormone produced predominately in the adrenal glands. It is the most abundant circulating steroid and best known as a metabolic intermediate for the production of androgens and estrogens (7, 8). DHEA is also involved in anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other immune system functions. For this reason, DHEA production is measured alongside cortisol production (9, 10). Unfavorable ratios of DHEA to cortisol have been linked to depression, anxiety, and other psycho-emotional disorders. They can even have an effect on HIV infection due to the immunocompromised state of the body (15, 16, 17). Like cortisol production, DHEA production is linked with the stress response and peaks in the early morning, gradually decreasing throughout the day (11). Tests for DHEA concentration are done on the saliva samples taken in the morning after the patient wakes up. Results typically take 10-14 days to be analyzed and uploaded.

Disorders Associated with DHEA Imbalance

Low DHEA production has been correlated with several disorders including:

Depression

Alzheimer’s disease

Colitis

Parkinson’s disease

Lupus

Osteoporosis

Cardiovascular disease

High DHEA levels can result in several symptoms which may include:

High blood pressure

Weight gain

Hair loss

Fatigue

Insomnia

Abdominal pain

Irregular heartbeats and heart palpitations

Increased risk of developing certain kinds of Cancer

Associated Symptoms

One in 5 people suffers from some level of gluten intolerance which may lead to:

Nausea

Fatigue

Joint pain

Depression

Diarrhea

Gluten sensitivity can cause brain fog and general inflammation. More inflammation can contribute to the progression of almost any pathology or condition. When an anti-gliadin antibody is positive, further testing for celiac disease may be warranted.